Summary: In this Episode Dr Mike and the Mad Scientist, Jim Goetz, answer questions regarding the current research and effectiveness behind the ancient art of energy healing, and more specifically ReikiThey begin by discussing what specifically is Reiki, and the theories behind transferring one's energy or life force to another to help promote general health, depression, chronic pain, anxiety, and more, as well as touch upon other similar known practices such as laying of hands, spiritual/faith healing, and qi-gong.The majority of previous research is full of small sample sizes, poorly designed methods, and typically designed by biased parties with the full intent of either proving or disproving it without much thought in just testing the hypothesis and practiceMost research on this topic has been targeted towards decreasing pain, stress, and other subjective, or immeasurable variables. Recently however, 3rd parties have been finding ways to make a sham/placebo group with reliable outcome measures in a randomly controlled format to start seeing what, if any true benefits this ancient art may have.Previously, Reiki has been shown to decrease anxiety, increase general happiness, lower stress, and heart rate. The issue here is that meditation, just being around a calm and relaxed person or environment, and even a sham reiki treatment (placebo) can create these same outcomes. So it can't be said that "healing energy" is what is causing the benefits. Also, the old adage of mind over matter, or a person believing that a treatment will help, significantly increases the odds that it will to some degree.Two recent major reviews of current literature however has compiled better data to both suggest and deny a few benefits. First, is discussed what Reiki has been shown to not do. There has been no solid support that it helps with pain or chronic ailments such as fibromyalgia and joint pain.What biohackers found interesting on the other end of the spectrum involves 2 small, but more well put together studies suggesting some potential health benefits. As far as measurable outcomes go compared to sham reiki, meditation, and relaxing music, the energy healing group performed by an "attuned" individual showed a marked positive change in heart rate variability, body temperature, vessel dilation, and in some cases lower cortisol release, which all happen to be effects of an increased parasympathetic nervous system, or the rest and digest counter part to the body's fight or flight response.A few other studies tried taking the research to the next level from a clinical standpoint, and did a similar method with a Reiki practitioner , a sham treatment, and just room temperature exposure on a group of petri dishes full of breast and liver cancer cells. To the scientific surprise, the energy treatment groups had slower tumor cell growth compared to the control groups. Chemotherapy patients have also stated larger benefits of treatments when Reiki is added opposed to chemotherapy alone The final discussion is the question as to how could these potential effects be occurring, with the short answer of science has yet to confidently pin point a mechanism. Theories from western medicine mainly suggest possibilities of it involving magnetic energies from our bodies opposed to the eastern philosophies of a movement of life force. The major biohacker question here is, should one use Reiki? There has been no signs or suggestions of any negative side effects, and it appears to have a possible benefit. Based on the infancy of research and lack of strong evidence, it is not suggested as a replacement for allopathic medicine or other modalities, but appears to be a safe candidate as a complimentary approach. biohackhumans.comListen on Android, iTunes, Spotify and/ or iHeart Radio FREE!!!!Be sure to leave us an HONEST 5 Star Review and we will randomly select a reviewer to send you some awesome Biohackhumans Gear!!!Find us:Instagram (@biohackhumans)Facebook (@biohackhumans)Twitter (@biohackhumans)Tumblr (@biohackhumans)Contact Us: support@biohackhumans.comJim GoetzChantea GoetzMike Brandon
